As we creep closer to the dog days of summer, Denverites across the city are beginning to feel the heat. When temperatures start creeping toward triple digits, even Colorado’s famously sunny weather can lose a bit of its charm.
Thankfully, that doesn’t need to put a damper on your summer plans. Denver offers plenty of ways to cool down that don’t involve hiding inside with the blinds closed all week.
Whether you’re looking for a splash zone, a mountain escape or a frozen treat, here are five ways to dodge the heat during one of the hottest stretches of the summer in the Mile High City.
1.)
Take a dip at a local water park
Nothing says summer quite like launching yourself down a waterslide, and Colorado has a plethora of options for that.
Thrill seekers should head to Water World in Federal Heights, which is one of America’s largest outdoor waterparks. With over 50 attractions ranging from lazy rivers, wave pools, tame and adrenaline-pumping waterslides, visitors are sure to find something that floats your boat, regardless of age.
For those wanting to stick closer to the city center, Elitch Gardens’ Island Kingdom Water Park is another solid option. Admission is included with your ticket to the amusement park, making it a decent deal. Although considerably smaller than Water World, Island Kingdom has all the staples you truly need with a giant wave pool and a handful of thrilling slides.
If you’re looking to dodge the outdoors altogether, head south to Colorado Springs to the Great Wolf Lodge. The 50,000-square foot indoor waterpark is kept at a constant 84 degrees year round, making it the perfect option when things start getting especially toasty.
2.)
Float down an iconic Colorado creek
If crowded water parks aren’t your vibe, grab an inflatable tube and head to one of Colorado’s iconic creeks for a relaxing float.
Clear Creek in Golden has long been a summer favorite for Front Range residents looking to cool off. The creek’s designated tubing section offers a mix of calm stretches and gentle rapids, making for an adventure that’s equal parts refreshing and fun.
For a more laid-back experience, head to Boulder Creek, where you’ll find plenty of locals and college students floating through town on hot afternoons. Just be sure to check water conditions before heading out, as stream flows can vary throughout the summer depending on water levels.
Both Clear Creek and Boulder Creek have a wide array of fun restaurants and breweries along the water, so make it a full-day adventure while you’re at it!
3.)
Escape to higher elevation
One of Colorado’s biggest advantages is that cooler temperatures are usually just a short drive away.
When Denver starts feeling like an oven, head west toward the mountains. Towns such as Evergreen, Nederland and Estes Park often sit 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the city, making them ideal escapes during a heat wave.
Evergreen is probably the most accessible option for a getaway, sitting less than 30 miles from Denver’s city center. Visitors can stroll around Evergreen Lake, rent a paddleboard or kayak, or grab lunch along the town’s charming old town corridor.
Nederland is a bit further from the city but offers easy access to Barker Reservoir and world-class hiking trails, while Estes Park acts as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and provides plenty of opportunities to explore downtown shops before cooling off beside the Big Thompson River.
Just make sure you reserve your time slot at Rocky Mountain National Park before your trip! (I’ve made that mistake one too many times…)
4.)
Treat yourself to a frozen dessert
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best (and sweetest) one.
Little Man Ice Cream is probably the most iconic place to grab a scoop in the Mile High City, as their Salted Oreo flavor has quickly skyrocketed to a local favorite since their opening in 2008. Bonnie Brae Ice Cream near Washington Park has been another local go-to since 1989, serving up a wide range of homemade flavors for nearly four decades. Our friend, Kathy Neustadt, raves about Sad Boy Creamery but you line up Monday online and pick it up later in the week.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, check out Yonutz in either Westminster or Greenwood Village. Their signature smashed donuts, which is essentially an ice cream sandwich with donuts as the bread, is sure to be one of the most unique and memorable deserts you’ll find across Denver.
5.)
Hit the ice at a local indoor rink
Although hockey season and the winter olympics might be well behind us, that doesn’t mean it’s any worse of a time to embrace your inner winter athlete.
The Denver Metro Area has plenty of options for hitting the ice during the peak of summer, including the Big Bear Ice Arena in Denver’s Lowry neighborhood, the South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch and the Edge Ice Arena in Littleton.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or someone who spends most of their time clinging to the boards, an afternoon on the ice offers an escape from Denver’s blazing summer heat. Many local rinks offer public skating sessions throughout the week, making it easy to squeeze in a few laps around the rink without committing to a hockey league or lessons.
Denver summers are usually known for afternoon thunderstorms and scenic sunsets, but every year brings a few weeks that test everyone’s heat endurance and relationship with the outdoors.
The good news? Whether your ideal summer day involves a mountain getaway, water slides or a giant ice cream cone, there are plenty of ways to stay cool without putting your summer plans on hold.
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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